Davis High School

I am a parent of two girls a 9th grader and a 4th grader. I love the skyward program that Davis has because it is very easy for a parent to look up your student grades and it's super easy to email any teacher. I went to an open house last week and I was very pleased with all the teachers; I loved the fact that the teachers are very helpful to whatever question you might have. I was thinking of sending my daughter to Ike but after I seen all the opportunities Davis has, I decided to send my daughter to Davis. I honestly think that is the parents that have to push their kids to be succesful in life not the school! lets not blame the school. As a parent is my job for my daughter to be succesfull in life. Thank you Teachers
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Davis high school and let me tell you that it was very disorganize. I think the school should get better staf, as well as actually caring about their students future. The counslers there cream the crop with little intensions of wanting to see their students succed. The office staff makes plenty of mistakes that include your childs gradutation ending up not happening because of their lack of alertness in the student and teacher. Teahers at davis are great, atleast some. They bring personal problems into the classroom and ends up effecting most students. Security guards are no different. In the makings of trying to 'attempt' to make the school a safer enviorment, some, in particular one maybe involved in selling/buying narcotics such as marijuanna mainly. Parents, I do not recomend this school. It has great potential but has so much more flaws that the people know.
—Submitted by a student

I love Davis high school because it's not like other schools in the way that it's not clique-y. there's no clicks and really no drama. Also academically it's a good school w/ a great IB program.
—Submitted by a teacher

Davis High school I'd say is one of the best high schools out there. We not only offer a great Honors program, but man let me tell you about the I.B. program; Its above great. I'm about to finish my freshman year and the teachers have not only treated each individual with respect,but have offered their help to us when ever we needed it. Davis also offers some spectacular tutors who are there to help us with anything from math to science. So if you're looking for a great school join us and become a Davis Pirate!!!
—Submitted by a student

If you are a parent and are choosing a high school that offers quality information for your child, then Davis High School is the right one. I myself am very fortunate to attend a school that has a dedicated staff that is willing to guide any student into success. I have completed my first year of high school and have gotten a taste of what I need to do in order to leave Davis with the knowledge I and any other student will need in order to be successful in the future. The best way to obtain a solid education is to be inrolled in the Honors system and work your way up to the I.B. program. Although most people have heard that the I.B program is a very rigorous and intense program, I personally think that any motivated individual can complete the program and earn a diploma.
—Submitted by a student

Despite common belief, Davis is a great high school offering students unparalleled opportunities in the area. Davis is in essence two different schools. For the academically inclined students, the IB program at Davis is second to none. Each year Davis graduates numerous Ivy Leaguers and sends well prepared students to upper echelon universities. If your student has the opportunity, the IB program offers a rigorous curriculum where intellectualism is embraced. When completed, the program essentially guarantees students acceptance to the University of Washington at bare minimum. As a recent graduate, I had the opportunity of involving myself in the IB program and flourished in the challenging courses. The school may appear superficially insubstantial but (even with the bias aside) it is the premier high school, public or private, in the Yakima Valley.
—Submitted by a student

Shh - IB program is best kept secret in Yakima. This is a live and let live school and even with the scary reputation it has been the best decision for our family. IB is tough but so worthwhile - teachers are great and band program rocks. Keep up the good work Davis staff.
—Submitted by a parent

i find this school to be the best school i have gone to it has good teachers and students that work for there furtures. i feal that there is so meny scolorships that are given out by our school last year we got more scholorships than all the other schools around.
—Submitted by a student

I am not exactly a parent, but I believe I can give a balanced perspective as a senior who has attended all 4 years. I think the IB program is fabulous and from my experience, it prepares students quite well for college - better than the AP program because IB requires a greater amount of writing and critical thinking necessary in the real world. The principal is very involved in the school and makes a point to get to know everyone, but can be weak in discipline, as is the rest of the administration. However, I feel safe on campus because of the presence of security guards - I know where to go if I need help! The students are, overall, great - if you avoid the ones who don't care about school or life in general. There are so many quality people here, and no social classes and cliques!
—Submitted by a student

Davis high foucuses on sports. But it's accademical programs are average, which is fine. And the safety here is 50/50; its average. (i find its worse at Ike High). The teachers are awsome here. The problem is the students. They seem like nice students, but if you get to know them, they are usualy bad people. And while most of them are accademicaly good or great, they lead a bad lifestyle and attitude torwords teachers and other students. So you will probably not find a 'best friend', but a 'Good-classmate' instead, posting a weak social world here.
—Submitted by a student

Awesome academic program. Very rigorous and challenging. Your child leaves very prepared for college if he applies himself/herself. IB program and full honors courses available. Too bad this school gets bad publicity because it's probably the best kept secret in Yakima County.
—Submitted by a parent

Well rounded school, with a commitment to a quailty education. Outstanding teachers who care about their student's success. Helped lay a foundation for my undergraduate and graduate college degrees. Go Pirates!
—Submitted by Kevin Lamb, a former student

I think Davis is a wonderful school. It's my first year there, and as a Freshman, it's difficult to get around. There are so many helpful people there who helped me get to know my way around school, and I think its one of the best school in Washington. Although there are certain students which need to be avoided, the majority of them are friendly, and will take time out of their schedule to help you. The teachers are amazing here. They combine a serious straightforward method of teaching, and humor so the teenagers have fun in the process. Personally, Mr. Hurst is my favorite teacher. He is really funny, and I learn so much from that class. I definatley reccomend Davis High School to any student transfering to a High School.
—Submitted by a student

Would NOT recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Well intentioned, has some highly qualified teachers, so class choices are critical. Tries very hard to improve academic scores, but tends to FAVOR the minority populations in Yakima, rather than focusing on a strong curriculum and high educational goals for everyone, regardless of special needs or superior intelligence. Big dreams, but low expectations. Lot's of lecture and in-class homework, but little hands-on instruction, motivational instruction, after-school activites related to learning, projects to keep students motivated. Biggest complaint from students is 'it's boring.' Perhaps doesn't believe students are as capable as they really are. Worth repeating, this school tends to favor the minorities, to the extent that the non-minorities feel like the minority. Get over it already. The potential for success is equal for all students, as long as the road to get there is isn't too 'straight and narrow.'
—Submitted by a parent

I'm far from a parent but I do attend Davis and love it. I love the people and the teachers and how well everyone can get along no matter what race they are. I used to attend West Vally and ended up hating school, but then when I transfered to Davis I started loving school again. I thank the staff and really the English department for helping me through many problems and always being there for me. My point is just this, Davis is a great school.
—Submitted by Justine Dixon, a student

I attended Davis High School for four years and graduated. I feel that Davis provided me with the outlets needed to be successful in my college career as well as my professional career. I recommend Davis to any student who wants to obtain a serious education without having to worry about the torment of cliques that would usual occupy a high school atmosphere. Davis is so unity oriented that there are very little problems and it really provides a family atmosphere as well as an excellent staff and excellent education program.
—Submitted by Rachel E., a former student

I feel that the school should contact the parents more when things are not going well. I have always been very involved in my childs progress and I feel he is lost in such a big school. I don't think he is getting the education he should be. My son has always enjoyed school and now all he talks about is quiting which is not an opion in our home. I don't feel the communication is where it needs to be between the teachers/councilors and parents. I have called several times and get no where - just the run around. Kelly R.
—Submitted by a parent

I love it here! If i didn't move from Selah then I might not be here today. I love how this school has no 'groups' of the so called popular or nerds it is so open and friendly.
—Submitted by Joann Judd, a student